Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate a bustling fair while indulging in deep-fried ranch dressing? Join us as Rita recounts her whimsical adventure at the Minnesota State Fair, featuring humorous tales of quirky Midwestern traditions and fond family moments. We then welcome our guest, Janelle Greco, whose talent in storytelling brings to light her impactful work with formerly incarcerated individuals and youth in foster care. This episode is filled with laughter and heartfelt reflections, including touching memories of Rita’s glamorous grandmother.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we explore the multifaceted world of education careers. Discover the triumphs and trials from teaching aspirations to grant writing, and learn about Janelle's journey through roles that balance passion and emotional well-being. We also discuss our writing practices, influences and dissect the genres of memoir, auto-fiction and narrative nonfiction. Through personal anecdotes and shared experiences, we shine a light on the impact our family's have had in our lives and writing.

Mentions

• Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
• The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard
• Breece D'J Pancake
• James Baldwin
• Werdsmith

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What if our flawed social systems pushed people to commit crimes just to survive? In this compelling episode of "People at the Core," we start with a light-hearted chat about a quirky "What Would Justin Timberlake Do?" shirt and reflect on the pop star’s evolving charm, before segueing into a heartfelt discussion about Britney Spears' current struggles and the genuine support she needs. Our remarkable guest, Vivek Sreekumar, a dynamic individual who transitioned from bartending and DJing to impactful social justice work, joins us to share his incredible journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.

Vivek’s story is filled with serendipitous moments and valuable experiences, including how his hospitality in New York helped our host land their first job. We recount the origins of Beloved bar, which blossomed from a casual idea among college friends into a thriving community hub. This chapter highlights the deep sense of ownership and familial bonds that drove the bar’s success. From there, Vivek’s path takes a profound turn, shedding light on the complex realities of incarceration, homelessness, and systemic failures in urban planning and social support systems.

Our conversation with Vivek explores the harsh truth of how some individuals resort to committing minor offenses to access essential services provided in jails due to inadequate mental health and substance use support systems. We also discuss legislative efforts to improve housing stability and the emotional significance of pets for homeless individuals. The episode wraps up with a playful yet meaningful discussion on navigating cultural identity, the importance of friendship, and a whimsical game involving celebrity pampering. Tune in for a balance of heartfelt stories, serious social issues, and moments of levity.

Mentions

• Good Shepherd Services
• Rosie Singer Center at Rikers
• Coalition for the Homeless
• Youth Justice and Opportunities Act

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What happens when you mix the worlds of pizza and astrology, with a discussion of puppies and pigeons? Join us on this episode of People at the Core as Rita and Marisa kick things off with their latest adventures in town. We’re joined by the incredible Jenny Olbrich, who shares her fascinating journey from her Philly roots to nomadic pizza-making adventures in Rhode Island, the nuances of affluent clients as a personal chef to mastering pie-production in the tiny kitchen at her bar, The Esters

We shift gears to explore the intricacies of astrology and relationships, diving into zodiac signs and their influence on our romantic lives. You'll hear our candid thoughts on commitment, personal space, and the challenges of maintaining relationships in a fast-paced world. Plus, we reflect on our mutual love of animals, sharing stories of our pups as the definition of pure love. Jenny shares her heartwarming story of Jack, the foster dog from the Canary Islands who stole her heart, and how the loss of her beloved, Bunkie, stills hangs heavy on her heart.

But it’s not all serious talk; we bring humor to the forefront with amusing anecdotes from the hospitality industry, odd celebrity encounters, and even a playful game of "Fuck, Kill, Be" involving Tom Cruise and Scientology. Whether you're interested in solo travel, the subtle art of restaurant partnerships, or the quirks of boy dogs, this episode promises a rollercoaster of laughs, insights, and genuine moments. Don't miss out on this eclectic mix of stories that capture the essence of life, love, and pizza!

Mentions

• The Esters (Bar, Cheese, Pizza)
• Mike Tyson and Pigeons
• Duke Riley and Fly By Night
• Fresh Kills cocktail bar

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Email us! peopleatthecorepodcast@gmail.com